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"Topple a Folding Screen" Throw (video)

On 06 Jul, 2011By Iain Abernethy

This video is on the first of the nine throws Gichin Funakoshi shows in Karate-Do Kyohan. The name Funakoshi gives to the throw is “Byobuaoshi”; which translates as “folding screen topple” or “to topple a folding screen”. In the wider world of martial arts, the throw is more commonly known as “Osotogari” or “major outer reaping throw”.

In Karate-Do Kyohan, Funakoshi shows a palm heel strike to the jaw as the way in which the opponent’s balance is broken. Seizing the throat, putting a thumb in the eye and simply pulling on the opponent are all alternative ways to ensure the opponent’s balance is broken.

Funakoshi said that, “the use of these techniques will be left to the discretion of the student” and hence varying the throw and experimenting with the various set-ups are to be encouraged.

It’s also important to remember that throws are secondary methods in karate. The emphasis should remain on the striking with the grappling methods being a support and a backup.